Thursday, November 26, 2015

"But music was his life, it was not his livelihood, and it made him feel so happy and it made him feel so good. And he sang from his heart and he sang from his soul. He did not know how well he sang; it just made him whole."-Harry Chapin - chorus of "Mr. Tanner."

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Today is day to count all our blessings. I hope doing so takes you at least several days!

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Imagine my delight when a reader of this blog (didn't really know I had that many) suggested I spend a few more $$$ and pick up some Dunlop Primetone picks in .73mm. Pleased that someone would respond back to me . . . I went and got some.

My area Guitar Center had them in stock ($7.99 for 3 picks???) and two of the salesmen told me they had been "flying off the shelves."

Now, just how does that work . . . does the package sprout wings and just fly around the showroom until someone opens the front door? Do they scream "I'm free!" when they fly into the sky?

I'd have locked them into a cabinet . . . .$7.99 for 3 picks???? Good God Almighty! That's $2.66 a piece.

Bet I will look hard if I should drop one.

Anyway . . . the edges are beveled to feel as if they had been played a while. Not sure if that is worth $2.66 a pick.

I used one of the picks to strum and flatpick on my Martin D-18, which I had recently put medium Martin SP's back on.

Not bad.

I also used one to play my Martin J-40, which has a brand new set of medium Martin SP's.

Not bad again. They feel good. the guitars souinded good. Perhaps not as bright as the Dunlop Nylon's, but the sound is sweet.

These picks feel very secure in my hand, maybe better than the Dunlop Nylon's, which surprised me. These are Ultex picks, I think. And the .73 is a hair stiffer, to me, than the .73 Nylon's. But, it is not as stiff as an .88 Nylon. I think for acoustic playing (not plugged in) this pick may possibly be what I have been looking for. When plugged in?? Well, I will have to play some more first to figure that out. I've played with the Nylon's for several years now, and I am comfortable with them when plugged into a amp or PA.

I've got room in my pick pouch for Nylon's and Primetones. I will have to play with them quite a while before I can decide if I want to use picks on a regular basis that cost this much. Perhaps they will come down in price after their "newness" has worn off.

It was confirmed last night that Tom Petty died after being found in his home unresponsive and in full cardiac arrest. Tom and the Heartb...

THANKS FOR DROPPING IN . . .

Rick's Song Bag . . .

is the blog of Rev. Rick Mang, a United Methodist clergyman who lives in Texas where he serves as pastor of a church in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Rick is also a Certified Therapeutic Music Entertainer who sings for senior adults in area nursing, rehab and retirement homes, and in senior activity centers. Rick also sings for different church and community groups and events as his schedule allows.

For more information about Therapeutic Music Entertainment, singing to senior adults, or to start a music conversation, please email Rick at revrickmang@gmail.com.

I have been blessed to have had several mentors along my life's journery. Joe Laughlin was one of them. Joe was my "adopted" big brother, best friend, guitar and vocal mentor, and fellow Christian folk philospher. I miss him.

CHILDREN'S WORSHIP CD

Rick still has copies of his Children's Worship CD ... contact him by email at revrickmang@gmail.com to get a copy! Postage paid in the US. Donations are accepted. Free if that's how you want it.

Would you like to share your story about your favorite musical instrument?

I am soliciting stories about people and their favorite instruments to make music with. If you would like to share your story, then please contact me at revrickmang@gmail.com. I will get back with you to soon.

DISCLAIMER . . .

It goes without saying . . .

The thoughts, opinions, ideas, stories, meditations, prayers, and other information written anywhere on this blog are usually my own ramblings and responses to things I have seen, heard, read or witnessed. I write out of the ever changing and conflicted struggle that exists between my head and my heart as I try to live out my life mission in the best and most productive way I can.

What I write or share in no way reflects the views of any church, denomination, political party, friend, relative, writer, musical group, musician friend, artist, fishing buddy, fellow hiker, walker, other blogger, city, state, county, nation, or for that matter anybody else you possibly could ever hope to think of.

Sometimes, the words and thoughts of others are so well written, and touch me so deeply, that I am moved to share them. When and if I share the words and thoughts of others, I honestly try to give and acknowledge appropriate credit, and will do so if you bring it to my attention that I haven't.